I'm excited about my first burn, and want to make sure I'm properly equipped.

I'm flying in from St. Louis, so I don't have a ton of space... only what I can ship and pick up in town or bring with me. What recommendations do you guys have for comfortable and adequate shelter? I have a tent that I usually take camping (in Missouri), but I have a feeling that it won't be quite suitable for the playa.

Look at the links in the burning man site, AEZ had information I FOUND helpful. A shape that either spills some wind, has a low profile, or can be tied and staked at many many points is good. Unless it is directly noon, there will be a side of your car where you can find shade to sit in.

I feel like Domes or hexas might be a bid "advanced" for you. Most people swear by the "monkey hut" w/ a tent inside. there are instructions here somewher. but Im sure you come across the BM topic if you google it. you should have plenty of space in your rental car. keep reading friend. you have plenty of time.

The overwhelming part is that there is no single correct answer - there are many.

Flying in does complicate things, though if you plan things out you could either a) ship materials in/out (hotels can often help with that), or recycle the oversized materials you can't affordably take home with you (pvc pipes, conduit, insulation panels for yurts, etc). There are a few places that can accommodate that in Reno (the regional Save Mart grocery chain springs to mind, but more will be posted in a local resource guide in the weeks before the event).

While I'm partial to EMT conduit frame structures myself (I like the modular design and great coverage for larger areas), they're not ideal for traveling great distance or smaller use. I'd recommend taking a look at either a hexayurt or monkey hut (and narrowing your thread-browsing to just those types of structures). Figure out your design and materials needs, and then pick up the bulky items in Reno once you arrive and you can hit the ground running. If you're a bit more adventurous and good with ropes, do some digging for tensegrity structures. They use a minimal number of vertical beams (easy-to-purchase lumber you can get at any lumber yard/big box hardware store) and then rope to create the framework that you'd secure tarp or shade cloth to.

Don't get me wrong, domes are fun - but they're also expensive, bulky, and can be fairly complicated. I'd suggest bringing something a little easier to manage this year, and once you've got your camp set up go find someone who's still working on getting their dome set up and offer to lend a hand. That'll give you the chance to ask questions, gain some experience, and see for yourself if that's something you want to get into at some point down the road.

Take a look at the options, and see what you think might be fun to try. Good luck with whatever you decide!

God damn... I thought I was a crusty old timer 'cuz I remember when the man was on hay bales... lighten up you guys, you didn't know nuthin' about Burning Man not that long ago!
Save the harsh snark for the real assholes!

GreyCoyote: "At this rate it wont be long before he is Admiral Fukkit."

I've been reading about the success of dome shelters and the hexayurts. Anyone had any success with travelling with those?

Obviously, I don't want to show up with the wrong equipment, which is why I'm posting here. I tried to navigate the forums, but it's kind of overwhelming.

I'm also a flyer and last year was my first year.

I love my tent but it is massive and heavy. But it's also solid as a fuckin rock. It barely flexes in the wind.

In terms of shade, you might check out the thread a little bit below for the solo first timer also flying in. I did not bring my own shade last year. This year I'm considering a small monkey hut or modified Figjam structure. But I ship a bunch of stuff.

You might consider a camp or village. Flying out with good shade is tough. You might not be able to sleep in your tent till noon, but a camp would give you a shady place to chill in the afternoon.

Check in with your regional list. look for a regional to attend and potentially hook up with a camp.

There's nothing "old timer" about expecting people to do a little searching and researching before posting another inane, redundant question. Quite frankly, if they can't even get past that stage they should've even attend.

"The essence of tyranny is not iron law. It is capricious law." -- Christopher Hitchens

Yeah I suppose you're right. I had been going to BM years before we had this message board, so I thought I was never a clueless newbie because of that - but come to think of it, my first year I brought everyfuckingthing I, and everyone around me, needed AND started a bike-repair camp (Johnny & the Playa Cruizers) that was the major bike shop at 9:00 for about 5 years. I even had enough spare fuel to supply the needy Ranger's gas golf carts when they were running out. I'm so burnier than most of these fuckers!
Maybe these people are clueless! Stupid fucking newbies. Stay home you assholes, this event is too much for you. Go to Vegas instead.

Woohoo! Look at me! I got my snark on!!

GreyCoyote: "At this rate it wont be long before he is Admiral Fukkit."

Don't forget one of nature's perfect foods - EZ Cheese!
It comes in a dust-proof container, it requires no refrigeration, and it's yummy on everything! Shut up Mr. Clocks and Mirrors, I was talkin' about crackers... oh wait, that can be twisted also... never mind.

GreyCoyote: "At this rate it wont be long before he is Admiral Fukkit."